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Code of Ethics

ASPE Voluntary Code of Ethics

Plumbing Engineering is the application of ­scientific principles to the design of efficient, economical and ecologically safe systems for the transport and distribution of fluids, solids, and gases. Plumbing Engineers design drainage, distribution, and other piping systems to transport gases and liquids, including potable water, gases and for the safe disposal of human and industrial wastes.As protectors of the environment and the public’s health, safety, welfare and property, the plumbing engineer upholds the precepts of honesty, integrity, impartiality, fairness and equity and provides services in adherence to the highest principles of ethical conduct and standards of professional behavior.

1. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall endeavor to protect the environment and the safety, health, welfare and property of the public.

2. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.

3. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall act as a trustworthy and fiduciary agent for each employer or client, shall seek no favors and shall not profit or misuse confidential client or employer information.

4. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall avoid misrepresentation and shall issue public professional statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

5. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall seek no favors or issue public professional statements for personal aggrandizement or personal profit.

6. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall be responsible to continually improve their professional ability and to maintain professional competency through education and professional development activities.

ASPE Voluntary Code of Ethics

with Guidelines

1. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall endeavor to protect
the environment and the safety, health, welfare and property of the public.

Guidelines:

Plumbing engineers and designers shall:

a. only approve, or agree to have approved, engineering documents that conform to and are applicable with accepted engineering practices;

b. notify their employer, client and such other authority as may be appropriate in the event their judgment is overruled and thereby create circumstances that endanger life or property;

c. not approve, or agree to have approved, engineering documents and specifications that have been modified or changed without the engineer’s written consent;

d. not associate nor conduct business with any person or organization suspected to be engaged in fraudulent, dishonest or unethical enterprises or behavior.

e. with knowledge of any suspected or alleged violation of law or code, report thereon to appropriate professional bodies and/or to public authorities; and,

f. cooperate with professional body or governmental authorities in furnishing such information or assistance as required, in order to uphold the law or codes.

2. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall perform services only in the areas of their competence.

Guidelines:

Plumbing engineers and designers shall:

a. undertake assignments only when qualified by education and/or experience;

b. approve, or agree to have approved, only engineering documents that are prepared under their direct supervision and control; and,

c. approve, or agree to have approved, only engineering documents that are prepared under the direct supervision and control of a professional engineer or other certified individual.

3. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall act as a trustworthy and fiduciary agent for each employer and client, shall seek no favors and shall not profit or misuse confidential client or employer information.

Guidelines:

Plumbing engineers and designers shall:

a. not reveal or disclose, facts, data or information without the prior written consent of the client or employer except as authorized or required by law;

b. disclose all known or potential conflicts of interest that could influence or appear to influence their judgment or the quality of their services; and,

c. not solicit or accept financial or other considerations or services, directly or indirectly, from outside agents in connection with the work for which they are responsible.

4. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall avoid misrepresentation and shall issue public professional statements only in an objective and truthful manner.

Guidelines:

Plumbing engineers and designers shall:

a. not falsify, exaggerate or permit misrepresentation of their professional qualifications and responsibilities;

b. not offer, give, solicit or receive, either directly or indirectly, any contribution to influence the award of a contract or offer any gift or other valuable consideration in order to secure work;

c. express publicly only technical or professional opinions that are founded upon knowledge of the facts and competence in the subject matter.

d. be objective and truthful in professional reports, statements, or testimony and include all relevant and pertinent information;

e. issue no statements, criticisms, or arguments on technical or professional matters that are instigated or paid for by interested parties, unless they have prefaced their comments by explicitly identifying the interested parties on whose behalf they are speaking, and by revealing the existence of any personal interest they may have.

5. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall seek no favors or issue public professional statements for personal aggrandizement or personal profit.

Guidelines:

Plumbing engineers and designers shall:

a. not directly or indirectly solicit gifts or any other considerations, financial or otherwise, if such could reasonably be perceived or inferred to be:

i. intended to influence them in the performance of their professional responsibilities; or

ii. a reward for any professional action on their part.

(This guideline is not intended to isolate the plumbing engineer and designer from normal social practices where gifts among friends, associates, and relatives are appropriate for certain occasions.)

b. not invest or hold any investment, directly or indirectly, in any financial business, commercial, or other private transaction that could create a perceived or inferred conflict with their professional responsibilities.

c. disclose any personal relationship to their client or employer in any instance where there could be the appearance of a conflict of interest.

d. not engage in, solicit, negotiate for, or promise to accept employment with a client or competing organization to current employer, nor should they render services for private interests or conduct a private business when such employment, service, or business could create a perceived or inferred conflict with, or otherwise impair, the proper discharge of their professional responsibilities.

e. not endorse commercial products or services by agreeing to use their photograph, endorsement, or quotation in paid or other commercial advertisements, whether or not for compensation. However, they may agree to endorse or approve, without compensation, such items as: books or other publications; professional development or educational services provided by nonprofit membership organizations or recognized educational institutions.

6. Plumbing Engineers and Designers shall be responsible to continually improve their professional ability and to maintain professional competency through education and professional development activities.

Guidelines:

Plumbing engineers and designers shall:

a. conduct a periodic self-assessment of his or her professional skills and abilities;

b. commit to annual educational and professional development activities and events based on professional practices.